Norfolk County’s First & Only
Orofacial Myology Clinic
Myofunctional Therapy uses a combination of physical therapy exercises to improve bite, breathing, and facial posture of those with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
Norfolk Orofacial Myology (NOM)
Welcome to
Oral myology (also known as “orofacial myology”) is the field of study that involves the evaluation and treatment known as (“orofacial myofunctional therapy”) of the oral and facial musculature, including the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw.
What are Oral Myofunctional Disorders?
Oralfacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial aesthetics and more.
TOTs (tethered oral tissue - aka Tongue Ties)
Improper Jaw Alignment
Tongue Thrust - Spitting when speaking
Elongated Soft Palate
Vaulted Hard Palate
Prominent Rugae
Oversized tongue (wide/long)
TMJ disorders (clicking, popping, locking, etc)
Large tonsils
Poor oral health
Recurrent Tooth Decay
Orthodontic Relapse
Dry Mouth - Poor Saliva
Clenching / Grinding
Narrow nasal passages
Tense facial/neck muscles
Swollen turbinates
Deviated septum (seen on CT scan)
Inflammation/Periodontal conditions around the gums/bone
Palatal torus/bilateral torus
Becoming a NOM Client
Clients at Norfolk Orofacial Myology complete a detailed health history on our secure online portal. This will be sent via email and can be completed in the comfort of your own home.
Assessment
Norfolk Orofacial Myology provides a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the facial and oral structures to ensure proper treatment options are provided to each individual seeking guidance in this area of health.
Our team focuses on structural difficulties that might be impacting a person’s health. We take an individualized approach to our process of care.
Our assessment involves measurements, photography, eating (to watch swallowing patterns), oral observations, and a detailed look at how your tongue is functioning with the structure of the head and neck.
Consultation
Once the assessment is complete, we take 2 weeks to review the case using the information we gathered during the assessment. We review findings and recommendations during our consultation and help you decide the next course of action that’s right for YOU! Once you have decided, we help facilitate the referral process and next steps to make the process easy to understand and follow.
Myofunctional Therapy Services
The therapies target the face, neck, and mouth’s soft tissue to reach optimal tongue position and oral rest posture.
Frenectomy
Pre & post release of tethered
oral tissues
Treatment Planning
Customized plan with referrals and goal setting
Habit Elimination
Thumb sucking, finger sucking, blanket sucking, pacifier
Breathing Retraining
Helps people with asthma, allergies and respiratory problems
MyoMunchee
Oral chewing device for optimal chewing, breathing, speech, sleep and health.
Collaborative Approach
Success with treatment or therapies is largely impacted by the other professionals involved in the process. You may be referred to one of these professionals along side your care at NOM, it’s important to stay on course and continue until the end of your therapy/care.
✓Osteopaths
✓Nutritionists
✓Physicians
✓Massage Therapists
✓Dental Hygienists
✓Speech Pathologist
✓Otolaryngologist (ENT)
✓Airway Centric Orthodontists
✓Oral Surgeons
✓Airway Centric Dentists